Fantasy Football Defenses: Top 15 to Target in 2016
By Charles Lam
2016 Fantasy Football Defenses: Number One – Denver Broncos
The defending Super Bowl Champions are listed at number one for a few reasons. Last season, the Denver Broncos won the Super Bowl because of their defense. The offense struggled the majority of the season, and Peyton Manning got old quickly (literally and figuratively). The defense carried them to the Super Bowl parade.
Denver had 14 interceptions (four touchdowns), 22 forced fumbles (one touchdown) and 52 sacks. The defensive leader of the team, Von Miller, had a major impact.
Miller had 11 sacks, four forced fumbles, three fumble recovers and 30 tackles for the champions. He devastated opposing quarterbacks.
The Broncos had six consecutive games with double-digit fantasy points to start out the season. They finished the regular season with eight games in double-figures for fantasy owners. Denver had more than 15 fantasy points scored five times this season.
The highest defense/special teams total Denver received came against the San Diego Chargers on the road in week 13. The Broncos amassed 23 fantasy points in that game.
The Chargers turned the ball over three times one for a touchdown. Danny Trevathan picked off a pass and took it 25-yards for six. The Broncos won the game 17 to 3.
The Broncos have five good, five bad and six decent match-ups this season. With Miller signing a new contract this off-season, look for the Broncos to be right where they were a season ago. Defense wins championships, and they have one of the best.
The Broncos will need the defense to be just as good because the team’s quarterback situation isn’t great and neither are the running backs. It looks as if the offense will struggle to score runs so the defense will have to hold down opponents so the team can win.
Look to pick this defense up around round 12 in the fantasy draft this season. Some owners might jump the gun a bit for this team, but there are plenty of good defenses to take this season. Don’t risk your team’s depth for a solid defense. You may pay for it later.